Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado
Schriever Air Force Base is located approximately 10 miles east of Colorado Springs, Colo.
After announcing in early 1981 that a military space systems control facility would be built, Falcon Air Force Station became home to that facility, the Consolidated Space Operations Center. The base was built as the Air ForceÕs primary satellite control facility, for which Onizuka AFS would serve as backup.
Groundbreaking took place May 17, 1983, and Falcon AFS became a reality. Two years later the 2nd Space Wing was formed, and mission capability from Onizuka AFS began transferring over to Falcon following the baseÕs activation on Sept. 26, 1985. The wing took operational control of the Air Force Satellite Control Network in October 1987.
On June 13, 1988, Falcon AFS was re-designated Falcon Air Force Base.
Due to Air Force-wide restructuring, the 2nd Space Wing was inactivated and the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing, redesignated as the 50th SW, activated at Falcon AFB Jan. 30, 1992. The 50th Tactical Fighter Wing had inactivated on Sept. 30, 1991, at Hahn Air Base, Germany. Its redesignation and activation at Falcon AFB continued the heritage of a highly decorated unit.
On June 5, 1998, Falcon AFB was renamed Schriever AFB in honor of retired Gen. Bernard A. Schriever, who pioneered the development of the nationÕs ballistic missile programs and is recognized as Òthe father of the United Sates Air ForceÕs space and missile program.Ó General Schriever passed away June 20, 2005.
Schriever AFB is home to more than 6,200 military and civilian employees. The base contributes an estimated $745 million to the local Colorado Springs area annually.